Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when one or more pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum, protrude into or outside the vaginal canal due to weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles and ligaments. The pelvic floor supports these organs, and when this support is compromised, it can lead to prolapse.
Common causes of pelvic organ prolapse include:
The symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse can vary depending on the organs involved and the severity of the condition. Common symptoms may include:
CYSTOCELE
A cystocele is a type of pelvic organ prolapse that specifically involves the bladder. In a cystocele, the supportive tissues between a woman’s bladder and vaginal wall weaken, allowing the bladder to sag into the vagina. This condition is sometimes referred to as a prolapsed or dropped bladder.
Common causes of cystocele include:
The symptoms of a cystocele can vary but may include:
Treatment options for a cystocele depend on the severity of the symptoms and may include:
RECTOCELE
A rectocele is a type of pelvic organ prolapse that involves the rectum pushing into the back wall of the vagina. This condition occurs when the supportive tissues between the rectum and the vagina weaken, allowing the rectum to bulge into the vaginal canal.
Causes of rectocele can include:
Symptoms of rectocele may include:
Treatment options for rectocele depend on the severity of symptoms and may include:
UTERINE PROLAPSE
Uterine prolapse is a condition in which the uterus descends from its normal position into the vagina or, in more severe cases, may protrude outside the vaginal opening. This happens when the muscles and ligaments that support the uterus weaken, allowing it to sag or move out of place.
Common causes of uterine prolapse include:
Symptoms of uterine prolapse may include:
Treatment options for uterine prolapse depend on the severity of symptoms and may include:
ENTEROCELE
An enterocele is a type of pelvic organ prolapse that involves the small intestine pushing into the vaginal space. This condition occurs when the supportive tissues between the vagina and the rectum weaken, allowing the small intestine to bulge into the vaginal canal.
Causes of enterocele can include:
Symptoms of enterocele may include:
Treatment options for enterocele depend on the severity of symptoms and may include:
As you can see, most of the causes and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse are the same, it just depends on what organs are affected. If you suspect you have pelvic organ prolapse or are experiencing symptoms, come see us at Pelvic Health Center so our trained professionals can perform an examination to see if you are experiencing a prolapse and, if so, what type of prolapse is occurring. From there, we can create an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
